>>3369286
>>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

>>3369286
>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

>>3369286
>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

Museums and reaearch centers mostly, some minor ones were used for funding the expeditiona tho.

>>3369469
Space Indiana Jones

>>3369286
>>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)
I'm down for it.

>>3369286
>>3369469
Aww yiss

>>3369286
> a contractor forthe Quarian fleet,one of the few humans(or no quarians really) trusted to look for supplies in places and systems they could not afford to go

>>3369286
>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

>>3369286
>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

>>3369286
>a relic hunter, you traversed the worlds that bore mark of precursor civilizations and searched for artifacts they left behind. (Does it belong to a museum, or highest bidder?)

>>3369286
>>contractor for one of the navies turian
Turian. Turian? Turian!!!!

File: 323DFCDF-6FD5-4AC8-9783-C(...).jpg (156 KB, 1024x819)

156 KB JPG

...a relic hunter, an adventurer lured by the ever-present mystery of the precursor civilisation(s?). One could say the notion was almost made mundane by the fact that the biggest relic of them all was used by the galactic community in their everyday politics, but that didn’t rob it of the mystery for you.

And so you travelled the stars, ever wondering what lay behind the next nebula. At first you hiked the jungles of freshly colonized worlds, usually getting chased off by goons of whatever corporation staked the claim, but when during one of such voyages you managed to not only recover a functioning Prothean device but smuggle it through (admittedly improvised) corporate checkpoint, your antics commanded enough attention at the institute of xenoarcheological studies that, considering you chose to approach them over that sinister crook from Beckenstein, the scientist agreed to fund your future expeditions.

Since then you spent most of your time by boldly venturing into the unknown, seeking out strange new worlds and old civilizations.
>gained equipment: relic hunter’s essentials (decryption suite and xenotech library for omnitool, hiking gear, elephant gun, jump pack)
>gained vehicle: “Livingstone” skycar


(Pic not related)

You feel smile spread on your lips as you think back to the excitement of watching ancient machinery awaken to unlock a door that has been locked before man learned how to light a fire, or when after a week of camping under strangely colored tree(?), when you’re about to pack it in, the analytical VI beeps an acknowledgment of having found a familiar pattern.

There was also thrill of danger. Exotic predators and hostile flora were fairly commonplace, arcane traps less so, because who would lay a deadly trap in the middle of a public building. You do recall however one particularly harrowing experience when you had to escape a collapsing building upon picking up what turned out to be a completely mundane paperweight. To this day you wonder if it was a coincidence, alien sense of humor, or perhaps another reason entirely.

You still have the thing stored away in a locker (assuming some Spectre hasn’t been rummaging through the ships recently, they are known to take the strangest things), When the researchers were done with scans and found it uninteresting, they let you keep it as a memento that not every danger is proportionate to the reward.
>gained artifact: perfectly normal precursor paperweight

Idly you wonder, if your contact from the institute was still alive. He was a good man, even if his suggestions for your next trip were sometimes outlandish, like that one time where he suggested skirting the Geth space for relics from Quarian colonies, his tips often paid out in interesting finds.
>gained(?) contact: professor Luigi Stahlberg, status unknown

With that memory, you snap back closer to the present. Namely to the Reaper invasion.

When the world began to end, you:

>continued to ply your trade and searched the ruins, hoping to find anything that would help
>put your ship to work carrying cargo for Hackett’s Death Star
>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground
>enlisted with the navy and fought the eldritch menace in space

>>3369675
>>continued to ply your trade and searched the ruins, hoping to find anything that would help

>>3369675
>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground
We multiplayer character now, smoking enemies by the dozen.

>>3369675
>>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground

>>3369695
support
me3 mp was based

>>3369675

>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground

We did our part for the galaxy, we already had experience fighting exotic monsters so when the call was made we took up arms

>>3369675
>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground

>>3369675
>>put your ship to work carrying cargo for Hackett’s Death Star
We're adventurous but not too crazy on the idea of combat.

>>3369675
>joined the irregular corps of self-proclaimed “n7’s” and fought the Reaper abominations on the ground

>>3369703
It was very enjoyable. Unfortunately ME3 doesn't really work on my current PC, it just freezes every three seconds for a second, otherwise I would have definitely revisited it a lot more.

>>3369675
>>put your ship to work carrying cargo for Hackett’s Death Star

Seems like multiplayer is winning.

The ship issue can be combined in: do (You) want to relinquish the ship to the crucible project for the duration of ground based badassery, or are (You) the only one allowed to touch its controls?

>The ship can be lent to Hackett’s marines
>Only (You) are allowed to fly the ship
>the ship flies with Hackett, but only (You)r trusted companion is allowed to pilot her (Vote on that to follow)

we better get a Asari or a Turian Waifu

>>3369746
>>The ship can be lent to Hackett’s marines

>>3369746
>>the ship flies with Hackett, but only (You)r trusted companion is allowed to pilot her (Vote on that to follow)

>>3369746
>The ship can be lent to Hackett’s marines

>>3369747
I'm after Quarian high grade ass, but asari on the side wouldn't be bad.

>>3369746
>>Only you are allowed to fly the ship

>>3369746
>>The ship can be lent to Hackett’s marines

>>3369746
>the ship flies with Hackett, but only (You)r trusted companion is allowed to pilot her (Vote on that to follow)

>>3369746
>the ship flies with Hackett, but only (You)r trusted companion is allowed to pilot her (Vote on that to follow)

>"Lando, I'm serious—you put one scratch on the Falcon and I'll"
>"Never find it under all the dents."

>>3369746
>the ship flies with Hackett, but only (You)r trusted companion is allowed to pilot her (Vote on that to follow)
>>3369756
Tali'Zorah best waifu (Not even a waifu fag usually, but god damn is she great)

>>3369747
>Turian waifu
M U H D I C K
U H D I C K M
H D I C K M U
D I C K M U H
D I C K M U H
I C K M U H D
C K M U H D I
K M U H D I C

>>3369756
>>3369784
OK so we need a Asari, Turian and a Quarian for our Mass Effect captain kirk

>>3369784
One too many DICKMUHs.

>>3369791
Add a drell and a damn good doctor for when it all inevitably blows up in our face and I'm game.

>>3369799
you know what fuck it lets put a hanar on the list as well

>>3369778
she is isn't she? hope Shepard chose another one for this playthrough kek

>>3369799
>And a damn good doctor
A Salarian then?

>>3369772
Companion it is, then. I expected to put one as a later prompt, but I suppose it’s a good time to settle this.

Braving the void is daunting at the best of times and under most favourable of circumstances, and some would say doing so alone is outright suicidal.
Fortunately for you, you never really had to. Even if you were separated at times, you could always count on unconditional support of your

>sibling (pick gender. Not for lewd)
>best friend (pick gender. Potentially romantic interest (if female, sorry queer lads) at some point although considering how I’m winging this don’t get your hopes up for elaborate development)
>lover/fiancée/spouse (preemptive waifu slugfest to follow)

>>3369816
Write in

Robot with advanced AI we found in some rock somewhere, male bro personality

>>3369816
>lover/fiancée/spouse
Not enough quest start with a pre-established waifu.

>>3369816
>>best friend (pick gender. Potentially romantic interest (if female, sorry queer lads) at some point although considering how I’m winging this don’t get your hopes up for elaborate development)
qt Turian soldier girl.

>>3369816
>best friend
While we will need to get our Thali like Quarian waifu I can only vote for one thing here:
>KROGAN BEST FRIEND
Arm breaking fist bumps incoming

>>3369816
>>lover/fiancée/spouse (preemptive waifu slugfest to follow)

Quarian gf on her pilgrimage after some of the precursor tech we are always trying to find

>>3369816
>best friend, and rival in the "archeology" business we saved after all his shit got fucked up by the reapers

>>3369816
>>best friend (pick gender. Potentially romantic interest (if female, sorry queer lads) at some point although considering how I’m winging this don’t get your hopes up for elaborate development)

>>3369816
>best friend
qt asari researcher

>>3369832
Changing to this, to get some sort of consensus going

>>3369833
I can go with this so we don't get into a waifu war too early, let the magic of first girl decide for us

>>3369816
>best friend (pick gender. Potentially romantic interest (if female, sorry queer lads) at some point although considering how I’m winging this don’t get your hopes up for elaborate development)
Female, Krogan.

Seems like Friend’s winning.

>male
>female

>human
>turian
>asari
>salarian
>quarian
>krogan
>...

>nerd researcher
>rival adventurer
>supportive chair force
>superficially jaded mercenary
>wise counselor (I’m totally going to make an ass out of myself trying to trite that one)
>something else

>>3369816
Supporting this >>3369833

>>3369881
>>male
>krogan

>>3369881
>>female
>turian
>supportive chair force

>>3369881
>Female, Krogan

>>3369881
>krogan
>male

>>3369881
>>krogan
>>male

>>3369881
>>asari
>>something else
Doctor. Tries to be a wise counselor but fails at everything except piloting, medicine and terrible pickup lines.

>>3369881
>male
>krogan
>rival adventurer

>>3369881
>female
>turian
>rival adventurer
tomboy turian gf YES

>>3369881
>female
>asari
>nerd researcher

>>3369881
>female
>krogan
>rival adventurer

>>3369881
>male

>krogan

>rival adventurer

There's a whole lot of hoeing before broing going on here

>>3369942
well i just like asari, but a krogan bro would be awesome too

Very well, it seems we are condemning a Krogan archeologists to playing a freighter pilot while we go to town on reaper ass.

This is going to take a while. In the meantime, feel free to ponder (You)r name, and name of the ship.

Some options to get the ball rolling:
>Elias Bauer
>Antonio Eccolo
>Roger Wilco (unoriginal, I know)
>Justin Noone
>James Tiller
>Cristopher Jaeger
Write ins welcome long as there can be sufficient support of one

Ship
>Indy
>Tiberius
>Scholarship
>Schliemann
>Carter
>Mule
>My Other Ship Is A Salarian Frigate, or Mosey for short.

>>3369286
>They’re playing Ewok parade now.
https://youtu.be/6r2w9ergP1E
Interesting choice

>>3369951
>Very well, it seems we are condemning a Krogan archeologists to playing a freighter pilot while we go to town on reaper ass.
People forgot what they were voting for, huh.

>Nemo Arsene
>Carter

>>3369947
Well then I suppose that it's a good time to remind you that an asari will have half a dozen other lovers long after we die.
>>3369951
>Henri Ford
Ship
>Chariot

>>3369951
>Very well, it seems we are condemning a Krogan archeologists to playing a freighter pilot while we go to town on reaper ass.
Well someone needed to take care of our ship and I'm sure he got to dodge and fuck up a lot of Cerberus and Reaper forces, even while essentially cargo running. Should still make for some great banter.
>Henri Ford
Ship
>Chariot

>>3369974
>I suppose that it's a good time to remind you that an asari will have half a dozen other lovers long after we die.
Good for her. That was the friend vote, not the waifu vote.
That particular shitstorm is yet to come.

>>3369991
>best friend (pick gender. Potentially romantic interest
You can't fool me the waifu vote started the second OP posted romantic

>>3369951
>Name
Grulot Gragg
>Ship
>My Other Ship Is A Salarian Frigate, or Mosey for short.

>>3369951
>>Henri Ford
>>Chariot

>>3370023

Not a good human name, but backing this as the name for our Krogan.

>>3370054
>Not a good human name, but backing this as the name for our Krogan.
Oops. Didn't read the post properly. Thought we were Naming the krogan.

Your gaze shifts once again towards the toppled abomination lying in the shelf and you feel your grip of the can tighten. In one swig you empty what’s left of its content, crush it and throw it on top of the pile that’s been growing steadily next to your chair.

To be fair, you did not empty most of them.

“Hey, (You). Toss me another pack.”

You can’t help but grin.

“Wipe that grimace off your face. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

“Try me.”

“‘He’s still not calling me by name.’, that’s what.”

“Damn, you’re good Kris. Have you considered enrolling to the Grissom academy?”

“What, do they need to haul some machinery around? Or have I been promoted to babysitter now?”

You reach to the stockpile you’ve prudently placed closer to your seat than his and casually toss your alien friend (inasmuch he would object to such classification) a fresh package of...

...you pause to actually read the label. “Grade 9 synthale, 3,9% of vol.”

Oh well, we did only just win a war. You finish the movement and your colleague slash pilot, one and only Kris of clan Tufferson, nonchalantly plucks the parcel out of the air.

The intertwining of your fates is enough for you to put a damper on any preconceptions you may have regarding what passes for “likely”. You met him on a relatively routine scouring of a well known Prothean Ruin on a relatively developed world, as colonies go, in Attican traverse. The place was previously picked clean both by first stage explorers as well as corporate teams that came after them. Even so, Professor Stahlberg seemed quite positively convinced that one of the installations, thought previously inert, could be reactivated and unlock new avenues of research. Such was his conviction that he even backed it up with promise of very generous stipend to both you and the other retrieval specialists already in site.

You were rather surprised to find Kris to be the specialist in question, and it challenged your stereotyping to find out the term was not an euphemism in his case. Despite being relatively young and so less endowed with hands on experience compared to some other, centuries old, warlords roaming the galaxy, his knowledge and skill proved genuine article and you were pleased to find someone to consider a partner in him.

Your bond was then further tempered when you successfully managed to unlock and activate the dormant installation, only to find it to be a stasis containment unit for several savage Rachni specimens.

Professor and the local authorities were less than thrilled about the state the site was left in when you were finished with it, but in the end you did manage to gather some readouts along with biological samples. And, on top of that, you made a friend.

“Fuck (You).”

(Continuation to follow)

>>3370159
>made a friend
NO WE MADE A BEST FRIEND.

You shake your head.

“Look, what do you want me to say? You lost fair and square.”

Not to mention that being denied privilege of being shot at, clawed at, bombarded, crushed, eviscerated or vaporized was something few people would consider a loss, but you wisely decide to keep that to yourself.

“Besides,” you opt for another avenue, “Word has reached me of that little boarding action.”

“That doesn’t count.” The krogan growled. “It was just a couple of unprepared husks. Coulda outflew them but they could have scratched the paint.”

He empties a can in one go.

“And you got to fight the bloody rachni with reaper upgrades.”

Another one.

“And now they’re gone forever!”

“There was a simulator on the Citadel. I hear tell it was very lifelike.”

He raises an arm as if to gesticulate something rude, then pauses as if considering your words earnestly before letting it drop towards another can.

“It’s not the same and you know it. Besides, citadel’s busted and arcade is hardly gonna be a priority for reconstruction efforts.”

You decide to offer only silence in return for now, your thoughts rallying past the synthale haze.

You think back to the many, many close calls you had fighting alongside the many volunteers from all across the galaxy. In a way it was inspiring to see all these various characters stick together and out for each other, their political and national affiliations sidelined to common cause of survival. It was like one of those Shepard’s inspiring speeches put to practice.

Cynical voice in your head tells you that now, with the common foe gone, all these people can happily go at each other’s throats again.

Before you get to decide whether to suppress that note or pursue that thread further, Kris surprises you by speaking up.

“Ford.”

“Kris.”

“Thanks for not dying.”

Swig. Crunch. Clank.

“My job would be awfully dull without your fuckups.”

“Right back at you, buddy. I’ll drink to that.”

And you do. Only one last can, though. The sun has already swung behind the landscape, and while the revelry showed no sign of stopping (They were playing Queen now), you resolved to plan your next course of action come new dawn.

(Continuation to follow)

>>3370234
>“My job would be awfully dull without your fuckups.”
This is still Kris talking. Sorry if it’s not clear.

>>3370234
>reputation gained: Systems Alliance - moderate
>reputation gained: Citadel militaries - modest
>reputation gained: adventurers' guild - large
Your and Kris's actions during the war earned you somewhat favourable recognition among the militaries (lesser impact compared to what you'd get in peace time because when world is facing imminent destruction, cooperating seems like an expected thing to do) and respect among the "N7" pretenders who, following end of the war and upcoming tighter enforcement of the brand, decided to found a loose union of sorts. As one who shed blood at the battlefield with them, you're respected by your peers. Feel free to come up with a nickname - and a class, if you feel one appropriate, or maybe a tomb raider is a class of its own?

>Skills adjusted:

>Ground Combat - skilled (Henri)
>Ground Combat - proficient (Kris)
>Space Combat - skilled (Kris)
>Tech - proficient (Henri & Kris)
>Science - proficient (Henri & Kris)

>Does Henri command biotics? (Y/N/Diceroll (1-50 no, 51-80 some limited biotic ability, 81-100 yes)

>Kris is a vanguard in combat.

You mull over your options. Obviously, you could go and join the revellers. Surely one more laid back day wouldn't hurt. Or several, for that matter. From watching the news feeds you're well aware that the mass relay is being repaired and will take weeks to restore (which is a miraculous feat of engineering in itself, and proof of how dedicated whoever was left to be in charge is to reconnecting the galaxy before it falls apart with good portion of its bureaucracy decapitated, infrastructure in smoldering ruins and communication lines disrupted.

As the gloom gathers at the edge of your consciousness once again, you again decide to shift your thoughts into more productive gear. What could you do to be the change you want to see?

Hunting for artifacts was virtually out. Sol was the cradle of your species and is surveyed to the extent where anything you could investigate is likely to be a tourist trap by now. Or would be if there were any tourists around these days. You suppose you could try and make a sweep over Mars, but from what you heard, the Reapers turned what little there was to molten slag during initial invasion. Travelling the old fashioned way to other stars in local group was unlikely to be productive either, beause Terran explorers already combed what was reachable before the Charon relay was opened to begin with, and the relay would also be repaired by the time you returned from an expedition aiming to reach a distant enough star.

And so with your primary occupation all but ruled out, you're left with mercenary and cargo hauling jobs.

Bringing up a list of ads on your omnitool you find several requests to find property lost during the reaper invasion and a few to remove squatters from own property. You're not sure how to feel about displacing people who presumably either recently escaped from hell or deliberately came into it to fight.

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>3370503
Now shall we be biotic or not

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3370503
uhhhh

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3370503

That state of affairs leads you to consider different set of options. You could approach one of the many political players now present in the system and offer your assistance. Especially following the final battle, a working spaceship is a precious commodity indeed, and one that comes with a pair of natural trouble shooters doubly so.

You think for a moment and bring up another query on your omnitool…

>Systems Alliance - logistics support.
>Glorified cargo runs, ferrying supplies between outposts. Nothing exciting is expected to happen. But you're accustomed to expecting the unexpected. Or maybe you've just had too much of this fake beer?

>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run
While fabbers and disaster relief provisioning facilities can come up with something edible, the command decided to take advantage of the eclectic presence in system and is looking for some enterprising freighter captain to head over to what's left of Quarian liveships and pick up some tasty, compatible food. Sounds simple enough, what could possibly go wrong?

>Krogan clans - diplomacy and bureaucracy.
Krogans are looking for a place to set up a settlement in, but Earth, even in this ruined state, is not a frontier free for all. They are looking for a "consultant" to help them reach an agreement. You doubt you're the qualified one for the job, but...

>Orbital salvage - pretty much everyone involved would appreciate every effort put into reducing amount of debris currently in orbit and straining everyone's kinetic barriers. Although the shooting stars are rather pretty in the evening. You note that you'd need specialised hardware to make an actual difference in cleaning up the orbit, but even without it you might be able to find some usable salvage.

>On semi-related note, several corporations and institutes are offering promise of future payouts in return of pieces of reaper tech. You're not sure why this ad is even up. There's plenty of derelict reapers all around the place. You suppose someone does have to haul the pieces to the lab though. You believe there is local branch of the xenotech institute somewhere in Europe that is among the interested parties.

>You could try to gain access to the Citadel. As it stands, you have no idea if or how you'd be able to convince the powers that be to give you clearance.

>make a new, specific query (write-in option)

>Go to the party. Most likely you'll just be wasting time.

>>3370577
>>3370582
>>3370586
Seems like Henri has some ability to manipulate mass effect fields. Perhaps not adept level of control and force, but we'll see... it could come in handy.

File: 1358327314647.jpg (168 KB, 960x540)

168 KB JPG

And with this I retire. I hope you've derived some amusement out of this. I'll try and follow up with some posts tomorrow and then maybe intermittently throughout the week.

Safe travels, friends.

>>3370604
>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run
While fabbers and disaster relief provisioning facilities can come up with something edible, the command decided to take advantage of the eclectic presence in system and is looking for some enterprising freighter captain to head over to what's left of Quarian liveships and pick up some tasty, compatible food. Sounds simple enough, what could possibly go wrong?

Are the Quarians sharing their homeworld with the geth in this timeline?

>>3370604
>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run
Quarians you say...

>>3370604
>>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run

>>3370604

>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run

Let's visit some Quarians, at least those that came here and did't stay at the homeworld

>>3370604
>>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run


>>3370609
any way to improve that later?

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244 KB PNG

>>3370503
>tomb raider is a class of its own?
It is, but somewhat similar to pic related. Definitely comes with an omni bow and trip mines.
>>3370604
>Turian Hierarchy - Milk Run

File: 1357796112018.jpg (195 KB, 1024x768)

195 KB JPG

Poring over your options for a little while you find it surprisingly easy to arrive at a decision. You scroll to the Turian request and bring up additional details alongside a contact location.

It seems the idea to make a deal with Quarians has been justified as an action to preserve morale as well as a diplomatic effort of sorts. You nod in silent admiration of Turian foresight at this bridgebuilding initiative. Going by the stereotypes you would have maybe Salarians or Asari pegged as ones to play this sort of long game, but you suppose the disciplined Turians have to be making sort of strategic planning of their own.

Content, you commit the relevant navpoint to the memory and turn to your partner.

"Alright, vacation's over. I've got a job for us."

"That so? What is it? More cargo hauling?"

"Spot on, my friend. I could hardly let your hard earned expertise go to waste."

Kris growled something under his breath. You get up from the chair and begin to clean up the mess you made on the beach, much as it felt as a token effort with the reaper wreckage looming short distance off coast.

"On a more serious note," You talk as you work, "there's not exactly a lot of ancient ruins around, at least not by our standards. We'll just have to settle for more mundane work for the time being."

"Oh I know." The krogan said as he followed suit. "Are we at least getting paid?"

"In fuel and provisions, and goodwill. Economy is still too much of a mess."

"Figures. Well, beats sitting around."

With that the two of you head to the Chariot. Several moments later you're seated in the cockpit of your trusty vessel, waters of Atlantic shrinking back beneath your feet as the Chariot arcs out for a brief orbital flight.

File: 1347252501234.jpg (2.2 MB, 1815x4337)

2.2 MB JPG

"Looks okay from here." Kris remarks, having left the guidance of the ship to an automatic pilot for now.

"Hm?"

"Your homeworld."

"Yeah. Ocean doesn't keep scars. Things are about to get dreary when we get above Europe though."

"Hrm. Can't be easy seeing the damage. Least on Tuchanka I could tell myself we did this to ourselves. Mostly."

You stay silent, pressing lips together reflecting the tension you felt. You've been to London during the fight, of course. You remember the charred husks of what used to be a meticulously preserved landmark structures. You remember the devastation of surrounding areas as the survivors of initial onslaught scattered and the Reapers were systematically working on rounding them up amidst skirmishes with the local resistance.

You shake it off and relax your jaw. "No way to go but forward. We had our share of wars, and rebuilding from scratch."

Although not quite on planetary scale. You feel that the magnitude of work ahead of all the citadel and associated species in restoring their homeworlds hasn't even begun to sink in yet. You wonder how well whoever is in charge of urban planning sleeping these days, if they are sleeping at all.

Presumably that's still preferable to the billions that won't be waking up anymore.

"What's our ETA?" you ask, switching the tracks for your mind.

"Around one hour, unless you want to go hard on the barriers and the power core."

"Good enough." You nod and key in the news.

"This is Emily Wong from the Citadel News Network. As you can see, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." You feel corners of your mouth twitch up slightly at the statement, even as you welcome every bit of good news. "In present issue of the daily update we will take a look at the Friedrichshafen Skyport. With the combination of ravaged infrastructure, scarcity of suitable hardware and high demand for moving machinery around, solutions that allow for economical manipulation of heavy loads are coming back into consideration..."

Some time later the Chariot begins its re-entry, descending towards the coordinates of the Turian outpost, apparently nestled in a valley among the italian Alps. You can see several blips on the instruments as engineering crews advance throughout the countryside, reestablishing surface connections and doing more detailed surveys of the damage. You see interim accomodations for the displaced survivors where the shellshocked civilians are gathered to regain their bearings and come to terms with the new situations. And, to catch up with the reborn bureaucracy.

Apparently there will be elections soon for the local administrations, as well as a council session to nominate new councillors. Speaking of, you catch yourself wondering who has the civilian authority now. Your best guess is that no such thing exists at the moment, with Hackett and his staff being the exclusive pillar of power in the Alliance.

"MSV Chariot, this is Turian Hierarchy Logistics Outpost Williams's Redoubt. Your trajectory suggests landing maneuver. Please, state your business." A female turian voice breaks you out of your reverie.

You reflexively hit the comm unit before Kris can, as usual when approaching Turian or Salarian installations.

"MSV Chariot, captain Henri Ford speaking. We're here for the public offer -" you bring up the relevant information and recite a string of digits " - designation "Milk Run"."

"Reference checks out. Please adjust your course to the landing zone four. Glad to have you!"

"Over and out." You nod and kill the comm, looking at Kris who wordlessly nods in acknowledgement.

The Chariot keeps slowing down through the cover of cloud, smoke and ash until the shroud parts, revealing a panorama of moonlit, jagged alpine peaks. Looking down you spot a valley winding from south to north between them, and smacked in the middle of it several landing pads large enough to handle a frigate, area between them dotted by functional turian architecture and crossed with freshly constructed road tracks.

"Slagbirds've been busy." Your pilot remarks as he goes through touch down procedures.

"Good for them, and good for us. They're stranded here as much as we are, and they know their home is in no better shape."

"Just sayin'. Wonder how many of them decide to stick around after... ah, we're down."

With a courteous, gentle poke of the inertia dampener powering down you know that the Chariot is truly settled down and clamber out of the seat. Together with Kris you make your way to the airlock and find that once you leave the ship your contact is already waiting for you.

"Captain Ford, welcome to our outpost. I am prefect Marcella Vox."

File: respectable businessman.jpg (41 KB, 750x511)

41 KB JPG

The voice belongs to a turian lady, presumably relatively tall one for her species as she towers above the two males flanking her. One of these is watching you and especially Kris with a wary eye and a rifle in hands, probably a bodyguard. The other one has adopted a more relaxed stance. His armor is lighter, maybe passing for civilian amongst the Turians, and his only visible armanent an outline of pistol slung behind his back.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss Vox. I'm Henri Ford, this is Tufferson Kris. We are special consultants of the Citadel Institute of Xenoarcheology, and we've come in response to your public request."

"The traffic control told me as much. Please, follow me to my office and let's discuss the terms of the assignment."

You are guided to one of the bulkier structures that serve as cargo depots. One side of the building has a number of cells used for office and habitation space and before long you find yourself seated in front of a desk in one of those.

"I'm sure I don't need to lecture someone who works closely with academics on well known circumstances of Turian physiology so I'll cut straight to business. I'd like to establish a trade line between the Hierarchy and Quarian flotilla, and I want first shipment in my storehouses as soon as possible. Since most of my department's spacecraft is urgently needed elsewhere, I've decided to authorise civilian contractors to fill the role.

Here is what I need done: A freighter is to be loaded with sample of what little we have in terms of surplus shipboard technology as an offer to barter for nutrition the Quarians are known to be able of growing in their biosphere ships. Alongside the goods I need to have a passenger carried to the Flotilla - our liaison" At this the lightly armed Turian makes a small bow. "...that will iron out specifics of the deal and will stay with the Flotilla to oversee that it is being honoured.

Your role in this operation will be considered complete once you return with Quarian reply, sample shipment and liaison of their own if they decide to send one."

Well now. That was quite a comprehensive mission description. Did she say all this in a single breath? But there are always questions you could ask...

>No questions. "Deal!"
>What can I expect in terms of compensation?
>What if the Quarians decline the trade entirely?
>What sort of parts am I going to be carrying?
>What sort of supplies do you hope to procure?
>With respect to your station, isn't this sort of deal something that should be agreed on higher level than that of a logistical base commander?
>Do you really have so few shuttles that you can't spare one to fetch some supplies?

>>3371804
>What can I expect in terms of compensation?
>What sort of parts am I going to be carrying?
>What sort of supplies do you hope to procure?

Regardless of the reply we say
>Deal

Lets visit some Quarians, yay

>>3371804
>>What can I expect in terms of compensation?
>>What sort of parts am I going to be carrying?
>>What sort of supplies do you hope to procure?

>>3371804
>What can I expect in terms of compensation?
>What sort of parts am I going to be carrying?
>What sort of supplies do you hope to procure?

>>3371810
>>3371866
>>3371898
+1

"Could you be more specific on the nature of cargo I'd be bringing along with me?" You inquire.

"Nothing you need to be concerned about as hazardous or illicit. It's just some spare parts for spacefaring vessels that we now have in excess and that can not be easily repurposed for terrestric engineering, or attempting to do so would amount to breaking them down to scrap. Thruster parts, couplings, conduits, insulation, life support components, shipboard electronics and the like."

"I see. What about the cargo you seek to get out of this deal?"

"That is more to be settled by lieutenant Avis here." The Turian who bowed slightly before does so again.

"Victor Avis, at your service." He says this time. You nod in response and prefect Vox goes on:

"...but simply put it's food that will not taste like plastic pellets or cause digestive issues to our men." She sighs. "Some agricultural samples would be nice as well so we can begin growing our own crops down here."

"It's ironic that we are going to be the ones to ask Quarians for agricultural aid and not the other way around even though it's them who have only recently gotten their homeworld back." Lieutenant Avis takes the vote.

"Very well then. My final question - what sort of compensation can I expect for my services?"

Prefect nods. "Of course. We do not expect you to go out of your way just because we ask you. Unfortunately given the state of open markets at this moment I'm unable to obtain a quotation for your services that would stand up as fair, so as has been mentioned in the mission statement, for the time being we will ensure your craft is fully fueled and supplied. Additionally you will be granted limited access to Hierarchy repair facilities and issued a general credit note to be arbitrated at a later date."

"So in essence you're asking us to go out of our way just because you ask us until you deem fit to have us paid." Kris speaks up. You give him a glare which he pointedly ignores.

Fortunately the prefect seems to be of the levelheaded sort. Even as the guard visibly tenses she just shakes her head.

"I can see why you would think so, mister Tufferson, but I'm afraid it's as good a deal as I can afford to someone with no direct ties to our military at this time. And-" at this point some cold did reach her voice. "-rest assured that my people do not try to worm their way out of their obligations of any sort."

You exchange looks with Kris. You can tell he could come up with a retort of some sort but for once your gaze stops him. You turn back to the prefect and offer your hand.

"Your terms are good and credible enough for me. You have a deal."

With a nod she shakes your hand. "It is settled then. I'll have the sample cargo loaded momentarily. Lieutenant, if you would...?"

"Of course. I'll be prepared to depart straight away."

"Very well. Spirits grant you speed."

With that the three of you trickle out of the office; you and Kris heading towards the ship to open the cargo holds, Avis to pick up his belongings.
"Something about this doesn't sit well with me, Ford." Kris speaks up when you're back in the ship. "Since when does a logistics prefect arrange trade deals with a foreign navy? And gives the job to some random nobodies with excuse of being unable to spare a shuttle?"

You shrug. "Since when is a Turian fleet stranded on war ravaged Earth and running on fumes, cut off from galactic supply lines? This is an entirely new situation. Maybe that's precisely the reason why they hired us - they don't have established protocol for this sort of deals and you know how flexible their organisation is. So they put a middleman up to absorb the novelty."

"Pyjak's droppings. Their primarch is around. All it would do is one call to the flotilla to make formal arrangements however they want. Something smells of cloak and dagger here. And deniability."

You shake your head. "She seemed rather sincere, and the concerns for feeding the men fall under her purview. You're being needlessly paranoid."

"Just because you're not doesn't mean they're not out to get you." the krogan retorts. "Anyway, I guess I did complain about lack of excitement earlier."

"Alright. Your concerns have been noted. Let's keep our eyes open."

As if on cue, your comm unit lights up. It's lieutenant Avis.

"Cargo's all loaded and I'm ready to board your vessel. Do I have your permission?"

"Granted. Welcome aboard, lieutenant." You say, keying in sequence to open he airlock, then securing the cargo units. You turn towards Kris. "Get us up. I'll make sure our passenger is settled in."

"Scan him for holdouts." Kris grumbles before heading towards the cockpit.

>Just take the turian envoy to the passenger area and return to cockpit
>Take Avis to cockpit with you.
>Hang with Avis in the passenger lounge while Kris takes helm
>Leave Avis in passenger lounge and dig through the cargo
>something else

several hours of travel awaits you...
>get some rest (Kris will keep watch)
>stay awake (gonna be tired upon arrival)

>>3372231

>Just take the turian envoy to the passenger area and return to cockpit
>get some rest (Kris will keep watch)

>>3372231
>Hang with Avis in the passenger lounge while Kris takes helm
>get some rest (Kris will keep watch)

>>3372231
>Hang with Avis in the passenger lounge while Kris takes helm
>get some rest (Kris will keep watch)

Gotta be awake to talk with those Quarians

“Welcome aboard.” You say again as lieutenant Avis leaves the airlock. With its cycling lighting up an indicator on pilot’s console, you shortly feel the barely perceptible tremor of liftoff as inertial dampeners are kicked back into gear. You were off on your way to the Flotilla.

You walk alongside the Turian envoy towards Chariot’s bow. You don’t need to guide him, he’s apparently familiar with layout of the ship, not surprising considering how commonplace they were. Or used to, anyway.

“As you can see, some modifications have been made.” You comment.

“The compartmentalized, insulated corridor, I see. Frequent among smugglers so they can jettison contraband when at risk of inspection.”

You chuckle. “In our case it’s rather a fail safe in case of containment issues with our cargo. But I suppose the principle is similar. You had prior experience with smugglers?”

“Everyone assigned to logistics at the edge of terminus systems has experience with smugglers.” He says. “Sometimes from the both sides of the barricade.”

At that point you reach the final junction between cockpit, crew compartment and the passenger lounge. You usher your present company to the latter, show him available facilities and grant him guest access to the systems (otherwise separate from general ship systems).

Be it because some of your fellow raider’s suspicions rubbed off on you or simply because you wanted to be a hospitable host, you decide to sit down and keep Avis company for a while.

Rolled 29, 35, 19 = 83 (3d100)

“So, how did you end up with this assignment?”

“You mean, how does a logistics officer get assigned as a liaison with foreign power?”

You wait for him to go on as you reach into a cupboard for some liquid hospitality to supplement the conceptual one. When he remains silent as well, you decide to prod him.

“You have experience dealing with, let’s say, independent elements, don’t you?”

“Serve me right for my comments.” He chuckles. “Yes, it’s true. I had to cut some deals out in the frontiers that I only got away with because superiors agreed with my cost/benefit analysis.”

“Kept the outpost afloat and within budget, eh?”

“More or less. Not that it counted for much when the synthetic bastards came.”

“No life was unchanged by these.” You nod as you pour a pair of drinks.

“Quite a lot got extinguished, too.” The Turian says, grabbing a glass. “To absent friends.” He says, preempting you. With a nod you raise the glass and share a drink.

“The tolls the war took are such that the victory feels bitter, even if the threat was eliminated in the end.” You remark, looking off to the side, expecting some sort of polite assent. When none comes, you turn to look Avis in the eye and are met with a studious glare, although with Turian eyes you find it hard to gauge focus.

As if remembering himself, the lieutenant takes a sip and shakes his head. “Yes. At least it’s over now. All we have to do is to ensure that it can never repeat itself.”

After another bout of silence you navigate the exchange towards lighter subjects and make smalltalk for a while before deciding the time is right to go and get some rest.

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>3373155

Without further disruptions you settle into the sleep pod. Better be refreshed when you arrive, you’re going to need to focus to ensure cargo transfer goes smoothly...

You awaken refreshed several hours later. Comparing the time on your omnitool to estimates you made earlier you figure you should be almost at where the Quarian flotilla was currently picking through remains of Uranus refueling depots (with Hackett's blessings, of course. You derive some guilty pleasure out of imagining pun opportunities present in that conversation.)

Clambering out of the sleep pod's comfortable embrace you head towards the bridge.

"'morning." your krogan friend acknowledges your presence. "In case you're curious, our guest hasn't moved from the lounge."

"Did you..."

"Nah, I just don't see record of any doors opening. I bet he spent most of the time watching sappy vids. Think I heard him sing through the bulkhead actually. Anyway, we're pretty much here. Dropping into realspace in five... four..."

As he went down to "one" the viewscreen lit up with the slowly growing orb of the gas giant taking up most of the visible area. Against this backdrop...

...you had to admit, even after getting thinned by the final battle the Quarian flotilla was an impressive sight to behold. Even though their combat capabilities did not measure up to dedicated (and more recent) designs of citadel navies, their sheer size and numbers made up for that when it came to visual impressions.

Doubly so now, when among the cruisers and liveships of Quarian make were scattered alien, compact forms of Geth combat spacecraft.

Comm indicator flared up. You were being hailed.

>roll 1d100 please

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3373296
(forgot to counter-roll)

>>3373302
Okay, nevermind. No more rolls necessary for now...

>>3373307
Oh shit

We will have to work very hard to gain their trust

Your hand shoots for the control, but you needn't have bothered. Kris somehow already managed to open the channel.

"The light of dawn caresses the meadow of the walled garden." Comes a quarian voice across the channel.
"And the breeze from the amber waterfalls carries the scent that softly awakens the sleeper. As the sweet kiss and mother's caress recedes from the realm of dreams, so is the traveller cast into the deep end." Kris replies. Curiosity gets the better of you and you let the silence develop.
"T-that was nice, but not the correct reply. State your identification and business with the Flotilla!"

You leave Kris to his snickering and take over the comm. "This is MSV Chariot, captain Henri Ford speaking. We are here on a trade mission from the Turian Hierarchy. Transmitting manifest now."

You key in the necessary commands. After a brief while the quarian voice comes in again. "Your credentials check out. You are cleared to dock with the patrol cruiser Kata."

"Acknowledged. Thank you for having us."

"Try to not hit the crew with your breeze too hard as you come in." the traffic controller says as she kills the comm, prompting some more chuckling from Kris. Deciding he's had his fun you transfer the helm to your station and take you towards the designated vessel, wondering what sort of procedures you'll have to go through before being allowed to a liveship.

I retire once more. Will try to sneak in some posts throughout the week but am not expecting more than one prompt per day, if that.

Safe travels, friends.

>>3373333
nah, it was just about who took the call. A wasted 100 essentially. Had it come earlier... well. We'll see.

>>3373375
Thanks for running.

Lets find some comely Quarrians

>>3373375
Was a fun run, thanks boss

>>3373375
This is good stuff. Looking forward to more when you're able.

“Decontamination procedure completed. Please, proceed out of the chamber.”
The three of you comply and you find yourselves in a moderately sized loading area and facing a welcome committee comprised of two Quarian officers backed up by a pair of marines.

“Welcome aboard the Kata, captain Ford. I’m captain Shar’Seev vas Kata and my crew has been tasked with inspecting the goods you’ve brought us. This is my second, Tana’Mar vas Kata. She’ll be handling the formalities.” The woman at captain’s side gives a nod at being introduced.

“A pleasure, captain. This is Tufferson Kris...”

“Freighter pilot and part time poet.” The Krogan cuts in.

“And this is lieutenant Victor Avis, logistics officer and Turian representative for this deal.” You finish without skipping a beat.

“A pleasure. I can’t speak for higher ups in this matter, but I hope we can reach an equitable agreement quickly. We shed air and blood for each other, least we can do now is share some supplies.” The quarian captain says, offering Avis a polite salute which the turian awkwardly reciprocates.

Shar turns to regard you. “You are welcome to make use of our crew facilities during your stay. They may be not much compared to liveship you will see later, but should stave off boredom as we go through the formalities.”

“Your hospitality is appreciated.” You reply.

“As i said, least we can do for our friends. Tana?”

“Certainly. Lieutenant Avis, would you follow me for a moment, please? I have several questions for you to fill in briefing for the liveship quartermaster.”

With that the gathering breaks up as your passenger is ushered away and the captain walks towards a group of crewmen that would be picking up and sorting the cargo.

Kris looks at you expectantly.

What do you do?

>You are captain of the ship that brought cargo to the flotilla and as such are responsible for any trouble that it might cause, better stick around and assist with the inspection.
>Invite yourself to Avis’s interview. You might learn more about how this deal is going to work.
>head to Kata’s mess and hang out with the crew
>return to your ship and snoop through the cargo yourself. The Quarians are not gonna transfer entire cargo hold for inspection, just a few containers to check if they match with manifests. You can do independent, parallel check.
>return to your ship and check the news or work offers.

>Take Kris with you
>Delegate
>Let him pick

I feel compelled to forewarn that this Milk Run can turn out in more ways than one and some of them can make some people very unhappy.

>>3376590
>You are captain of the ship that brought cargo to the flotilla and as such are responsible for any trouble that it might cause, better stick around and assist with the inspection.
Snooping around in the cargo and making sure nothing happens.
>Let him pick (but suggest he go to Avis interview)

>>3376590
>>Invite yourself to Avis’s interview. You might learn more about how this deal is going to work.
let's hear them


and Delegare kris to keep an eye on the ship

>>3376622
This

Maybe we can help them reach an agreement if they find themselves arguing.

>>3376597
based on that I its better to instruc Kris to do
>return to your ship and snoop through the cargo yourself. The Quarians are not gonna transfer entire cargo hold for inspection, just a few containers to check if they match with manifests. You can do independent, parallel check.

>>3376628
I mean, the Turian was embarrassed by the Quarian hospitality so they may be planning shady stuff

>>3376622
>>3376628
+1

Make sure that there is nothing in there that could fuck up the liveship

>>3376590
>Invite yourself to Avis’s interview. You might learn more about how this deal is going to work.


>Let him pick

Rolled 28, 54, 84 = 166 (3d100)

After a brief consideration you decide to accompany the Quarian officer and the Turian liaison to their interview in hopes of learning more specifics of the deal. After all, the job you took hinges upon its success. Before you go, however, you address Kris intent on covering your bases.

“Do you think you could check the goods as well? You know, just in case.”

“Yeah. If I find something’s off, I’ll be sure to rub it in your face.”

You give him a thumbs up and head off after the two aliens.

You catch up with them just as they are boarding a lift to the command deck.

“Captain Ford? Are you going the same way?” Tana’mar asks as you board with them.

“Quite so. I’d like to be present at your interview, seeing as I’m the one responsible for delivering the news back to the prefect.”

“Very well. Please, both of you follow me.” The Quarian says as you disembark the elevator and she leads you to a small, apart from a few banners you assume to be ship’s heraldry, rather featureless meeting room.

You all take places around the table and Tana pulls up her omnitool.

“Very well, let us begin. Lieutenant Avis, what entity are you authorized to represent?”

“I’m here on behalf of the Turian Hierarchy support outpost Sol three fifteen, designation “Williams’s redoubt”. Credentials issued by the base commander, prefect Marcella Vox.”

“Very well. What is the scope of wares you are offering?”

Avis begins to recite a more comprehensive list of wares the Turians have to spare. Several items in you begin to wonder if your coming here was a mistake...

>can I please have three rolls of 2d100?

Rolled 83, 89 = 172 (2d100)

>>3379704

Rolled 69, 73 = 142 (2d100)

>>3379704

Rolled 78, 6 = 84 (2d100)

>>3379704

Rolled 90, 61 = 151 (2d100)

>>3379704
Try not to stare at Quarian tits, fail

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5hx8WTHcie0

...but unwilling to let up you steel yourself and pull up your own omnitool to cross reference any suspicious items. Your diligence is rewarded soon enough.

“...recirculation controllers, Kassa fabrication, grade 2. Tacops suite, Synthetic Insights, grade four. Communication controller...”

One item in particular caught your attention and looking it up confirmed your suspicions.

“Excuse me, lieutenant, did you say “grade four” tacops suite?” You interrupt Turian’s droning. He blinks and looks at you.

“Excuse me?”

“I wanted to make sure I heard correctly. Are you saying your base is parting with grade four tacops suites?”

Avis looks down at his own omnitool and scrolls back to confirm his memory. “Yes, that is right. It is quite sophisticated piece of hardware, but one we can afford to trade away, given circumstances.”

“I’d like to know what circumstances would allow the Turian hierarchy to trade away a suite with custom hardware encryption tuned into Fleet’s military channels.”

“I... uh... what?”

“That is the definition of SI’s grade four model, according to their marketing department anyway. Doesn’t sound like something a military would pass on in exchange for provisions.”

“I... but... we are allies, are we not?”

“Allies usually use different methods of sharing intelligence, lieutenant.” Tana speaks up. “Maybe it’s some sort of clerical error?”

“Yes... yes, that must be it.” Avis latches on. “I apologize, I will double check my files and call the...”

Two beeps interrupt him almost simultaneously, one for you comlink and the other for Tana. She answers hers in privacy of her helmet, you excuse yourself and open the channel when you’re in the corridor.

“Told you so.” Kris says.

“Let me guess, suspiciously sensitive hardware?”

“Ah, you got the bird singing? Yeah, but that’s not all. It shows signs of tampering. Would’ve spotted it sooner if I bothered to check gravitic sensors. Must be losing my edge.”

“Good work.” You reply. “I guess this job just got much more complicated.”

“That’s putting it mildly.” A voice comes from behind you. Captain Shar’Seev has arrived with the two marines in tow. “Ensign, fetch Tana and lieutenant Avis. Captain, please, come with us to the cargo bay. We have more to discuss than we initially thought.”

Rolled 38, 53, 56, 63, 97, 75 = 382 (6d100)

It takes several moments (and two elevator rides), most of which Avis spends consulting his omnitool, but soon your group files once again into the cargo bay where a pair of technicians stand over an opened crate, examining its contents.

“Ah, there we are. Lieutenant Avis, I think there has been a mistake. Much as we welcome any gesture of good will, I doubt your superiors would have appreciated us taking advantage of you to this extent.“ captain Shar began,gesturing towards the open crate. Sure enough the packaging of components stocked inside was lined with warnings about sensitive nature of the components within.

“I’m terribly sorry for this embarrassing incident, I have no idea how such an error could have taken place.” The Turian said, approaching the crate with his omnitool up. Meanwhile you spot Kris giving you a questioning glance. You respond with a nod ant turn to the captain.

“That’s not all there’s to this story.” You announce. “Kris, tell us what you’ve found.”

“Gladly.” The Krogan says, but that’s about as far as he gets...

Please, roll 2d100

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d100)

>>3379954
protect the captain, I sense a shootout

Rolled 37, 74 = 111 (2d100)

>>3379954
Damn sneaky turians

Rolled 32, 20 = 52 (2d100)

>>3379954
I just want to establish we have an omni bow option installed on our omni tool, just in case someone needs to get bolts in their draw hand. Not having a "concealed" ranged weapon on person at all times would be madness. That's not paranoid, right?

Rolled 20, 64 = 84 (2d100)

>>3379954

Rolled 49, 77 = 126 (2d100)

>>3379954

Damn, are the quarians shooting to keep the tech or is there someone else interested in the cargo?
Time to save some Quarians I hope.

Rolled 1, 6 = 7 (2d100)

>>3379954

File: ME3_Black_Widow_Sniper_Rifle.png (58 KB, 512x256)

58 KB PNG

>>3379966
>>3379984
Wow we suck.

Any one considered what our prefered weapons should be? Apart from tech abilities and the omni bow I'm trying so hard to make a thing. I doubt it will be hugely important, but I'm kind of thinking Executener Pistol and pic related.

>>3379992
I was hoping to be closer to the battle since we chose to be a badass irregular, some kind of assault rifle, more versatile for close and mid range encounters

>>3379992
how about shotgun?

>>3379992

>>3369672
>elephant gun, jump pack
Looks like we're a fast mover with a big fuck off stick. If we do fight in the cramped halls of a quarian ship we best not miss.

Brilliant flash of light robbed you momentarily of your sight.

You briefly berate yourself for not realizing sooner that if Avis is up to something, confronting him like this will have to force his hand. On the other hand, the Quarian were already into him regardless.

In either case it didn’t matter now. When your vision returns, your passenger is nowhere to be seen. Out of corner of your eye you can see Kris had enough presence of mind to lock down your ship, blocking one avenue of escape.

“Intruder alert!” Captain Shar shouted. “Vent the-“ he went on, then his gaze fell on you and Kris. “Bosh’tet. Belay that, initiate sweep of the ship. Lock down all critical system rooms. Intruder has tactical cloak. Move it!”

The Quarians immediately spring into action. Quick sweep of the room confirmed that Avis was no longer around.

What do you do?
>Go to your ship and let the Quarians handle this.
>Head to the bridge, most systems can be accessed from there, but it’s most likely to be well secured.
>Head to the weapons bay, explosives there can be most volatile, but security is likely be tight there.
>Head to the engine room, there’s a lot of bound energy in a drive core.
>Head to the comm array, maybe he wants to signal someone?
>Head to the shuttle bay, he’s going to escape

>you have yourself and Kris to command

File: N7_Paladin_Sentinel_MP.png (241 KB, 512x1024)

241 KB PNG

>>3379995
True, maybe>>3379997
Could be fun. Since we have limited bionics, maybe we can do that short dash thing (not the turning into an energy ball and ramming someone, even though that would also be nice) and just be a close up pain in the ass. Possibly combined with omni tool abilities like a shield (pic related) while closing in on the enemy, a bow if we need some longer range or around corners fire (not sure if that's cannon or just game mechanics) and trip mines to cover a possible retreat, lay ambushes and kite enemies. The shotgun would obviously be the primary weapon, maybe paired with the executener.

>>3380003
>Head to the comm array, maybe he wants to signal someone?
>Kris to the shuttle bay

>>3380003
Make sure our ship is secured, then
>Head to the comm array, maybe he wants to signal someone?
And send Kris to the shuttles

>>3380000
You don’t have either of those on you right now. You did not expect to get into a fight and it would’ve felt awkward hauling this stuff around in presumably peaceful setting.

You do have your omnitool which has both omniblade and omnibow modules installed, you have some low power biotic powers.

Kris is likewise unarmed, but he is a weapon in and of himself.

You can ask the quarian captain to lend you both a weapon.

>>3380010
This

>>3380017
I doubt that the turian will try to kill anyone, so I think our load out will be fine.

>>3380017
And ask for a weapon

>>3380017
Nah nonlethal is alright, especially if we're on a quarian ship considering how fragile they can be.

It’s the only course of action that makes at least a measure sense to you. One Turian is extremely unlikely to be able to commandeer a ship this size if he reveals himself this early. That means he is going to use the alarm and concentration of forces to his advantage even as the noose is pulled around him. Unless he just plans to escape, then...

“Kris! Secure the shuttles!” You snap.

“Got it.” The Krogan nods and sets off, only stopping to ask one of the technicians that stayed to guard the room for directions. As soon as he’s gone you do the same and get him to point you towards where the comm array is housed.
Your educated guess is soon confirmed as you round a corner and almost trip over a collapsed Quarian. Checking her vitals you see she’s alive, but unconscious. You take that as a good sign and advance forward.


Rounding another corner you come into direct line of sight with the open entryway to the comm array chamber. Unfortunately that also means the rogue has a direct line of sight on you and you are forced to duck to avoid getting shot, and several rounds soon fly in your general direction.

What is your course of action?

>Shoot to kill - snipe bolts
>shoot to kill - explosive bolts
>shoot a distraction and close into melee range
>try to talk him down (bonus if you correctly ascertain his motivation)
>call for backup
>other plan

>>3380094
>call for backup
>shoot a distraction and close into melee range

File: A3CB61D8-0548-4691-A883-1(...).jpg (106 KB, 400x500)

106 KB JPG

>>3380032
>non lethal

>>3380095
this

he was probably trying to smugle that tech out of planet and though to use the Quarians as cover

>>3380094
>shoot a distraction and close into melee range
If we have an omni shield, now is the time to use it. Otherwise use our shitty bionics to surprise him, might work since he has no reason to think we have those. Sudden bionic dash to close the distance or some gravity fuckery projectile.

>>3380104
I'm assuming so to.
>>3380116
Forgot to say: definitely non lethal

Rolled 86, 16, 43 = 145 (3d100)

Let’s see how well this goes. Can I have some 1d100?

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3380139

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>3380139
wew

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>3380139

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>3380139

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3380139

You issue a short broadcast, announcing to Kris and the Quarians where both you and the rogue are.

Then, unwilling to give Avis time to do whatever it is he intends to do, you put the fabricator of your omnitool into overdrive, calling up your bow and shooting several firecrackers into the room. Without waiting for your opponent to regain his bearing you switch the bow out for a shield and rush forward.

You are slightly impressed by how quickly the Turian realizes what’s going on as you feel a few shots impact on your shield, the stress of sudden switch between modes causing it to be brittle enough to shatter and collapse. But, it served its purpose - you were now facing the duplicitous officer hand to hand. And got to narrowly dodge a mean slash of his omniblade for you trouble.

“Give up. You’ve already lost.”

He says nothing as you circle each other.

>tackle him
>distract and strike
>talk him down, try to guess his motive (Admittedly you don’t have too much to go on...) (Some options: rebellion against the hierarchy; black ops provocation between turians and quarians; personal vendetta against quarians, humans or the geth; indoctrination, profit...)
>fight defensively, stalling for time (quarians might shoot to kill though)

>>3380194
>>distract and strike

>>3380194
>distract and strike
Drunken Brawler Style yo.

>>3380194
>distract and strike
If possible use surprise bionics, he probably won't suspect that.

>>3380210
this is good, it's not always a frighter pilot has biotics

>>3380194
Can we use some guesses as to his motives while we brawl?

"Well, I crossed black ops and revenge against the quarieans when I passed that quarian cutie knocked out instead of dead in the hallway, so what's you angle here, move this shit off sistem through the quarian ships to avoid inspection? Or were you hoping to catch a ride off system with that valuable tech? I bet you miss your home something fierce right? Am I getting close?"

You decide to opt for a cheap trick that served you well enough when you were forced to face Cerberus troopers and, in one case, when a victory celebration after a successful deployment got a bit too rowdy when one of the engineers got into an argument with- but that’s not important right now.

You telegraph a powerful lunge with your omniblade and when you are sure that Avis is committed into dodging it to the side you draw upon your limited biotic potential and project a biotic pull at his feet upsetting his balance and rendering him unable to react when you other hand grabs him by the fringe and guides his face into your knee.

Fuck, that hurt. But at least it seems it worked. The Turian is, for the moment, down.

“Of course, the only fight within light years and I come too late to even finish it.” Kris says as he walks up to you.

“Sorry, friend, I’ll make sure to ask the next guy to pleas wait for you to kick his ass.” You tell him as you rub your knee. “Anyway, let’s get him to the local brig.”

“Why not trash chute?”

“I know you’re joking, but just in case you’re not - I think he still has stories to tell.” You size up the unconscious Turian. “Starting with how he got to tamper with advanced military hardware under his superiors’ noses without anyone being the wiser.”

“Maybe they were in on it too.”

“Somehow I doubt it. But I reckon that, one way or another, we’re going to find out.”

With that I retire.

May the void be free of perils for you, fellow travelers.

>>3380283
Thanks for running

Coming back tomorrow?

>>3380283
Thanks for the session, looking forward to more

>>3380283
Thanks for running

>>3380283
Looking good so far dude.

The Quarians shortly arrive to relieve you of your prisoner and secure the scene of fight. Some of them give you a salute or a respectful nod in recognition of your assistance. Eventually you encounter the captain and shortly afterwards you once again find yourself in the same meeting room as before, together with Kris and Tana’Mar.

“Firstly, let me formally express my gratitude for your assistance in apprehending the saboteur. Judging by word I only just got from the investigating officer it seems your swift action has kept the lieutenant Avis, if that is truly the man’s identity, from accessing the systems.”

“Don’t mention it. After all I’m the one who brought him aboard. Only fair if I helped clean up after his mess.” You reply with a nod.

“Many of my compatriots would indeed hold you responsible, but I’m aware this outlook is not universal among the aliens, no offense, sonI appreciate it all the more.”

“Did you guys figure out what he was trying yet?” Kris asks

“Not quite. We’ve found a memory module, but have not yet delivered it to a secure system for analysis. It seems to have been taken from the classified hardware you brought with you.”

“He snatched it when we confronted him in the cargo bay? But wasn’t it packed tightly back then?” You ask, recalling the incident.

“Not necessarily. My scans showed signs of tampering before the crate was opened. Maybe it was set up that way to begin with. Can try one of the other crates to confirm.” Kris offered.

“Sounds like a Setup. What a scum.” Tana spoke up.

“Let’s stick to the facts for now and assemble the story after. There’s still much we don’t know and I’d like to hear the Turian side of the story. Or sides, as it were.”

“Sorry, sir. I’ll arrange the contacts with both Fleet and Flotilla.”

“Very well. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve proved where you stand, Captain Ford. However you may be asked to deliver testimony to whoever is appointed to investigate this on behalf of the court of admirals. You don’t need to stick around for that, it’s just so you’re not surprised if you get approached by a courier.”

“Understood.”

“With that said, I believe there’s no reason for us to keep you... ah, right. The cargo. I suppose you will be taking it back to the Turians. At least the part we’re not keeping for forensic study.”

What is your response?

>request that the cargo be returned in full. It contains sensitive assets and keeping them would be suspicious.
>agree with his reasoning
>suggest that the Quarians ask the Hierarchy for their own team of experts and make the investigation a joint operation
>suggest that they confiscate entire cargo and demand compensation on top of it from the Turians for this incident
>different suggestion

Optional additions
>suggest that they consider going through with the originally offered deal of food for spacecraft components, incident notwithstanding
>ask if you could take part in investigation, you want to see this through
>ask if you can visit the liveship now.
>write in

>>3381801
>suggest that the Quarians ask the Hierarchy for their own team of experts and make the investigation a joint operation
Let's all play nice

>>suggest that they consider going through with the originally offered deal of food for spacecraft components, incident notwithstanding
>>ask if you could take part in investigation, you want to see this through
>>ask if you can visit the liveship now.
we are an explorer, I bet this is a one in a lifetime chance to see the live ship and if it isn't asking too much.

>>3381801
>agree with his reasoning

>suggest that they consider going through with the originally offered deal of food for spacecraft components, incident notwithstanding
>ask if you could take part in investigation, you want to see this through
>ask if you can visit the liveship now.

>>3381812
This

>>3381812
+1

Maybe Tana can show us around.

“Why not ask the Turians to participate? This is a security issue for them as well, and a joint operation could foster trust.” You suggest.

“Right after that trust was breached so casually?” Tana remarks, but quickly wilts under Shar’s glare. “Sorry sir, I’ve spoken out of turn.”

You get the feeling there are going to be changes in waste filter replacement duty rotation in near future.

“Ahem. I mean the cargo could be stored in a sealed off area until Turians send their own experts to facilitate joint investigation. Together you should be able to better arrive at the truth of what happened without fostering suspicion between yourselves.”

“Especially if you withheld any of this sensitive crap under whatever justification. Keep in mind that the rest of the shipment has been presumably tampered with as well and Slagbirds are rather known for not issuing benefits of doubt.” Kris chips in.

“Kris.”

“Oh. So sorry. I’ll put a credit chit into a swear jar. When they become worth something again.”

You shake your head and shift the discussion back on track. “Additionally, establishing contact would help in salvaging the original deal which, I’m assuming, could still work to everyone’s benefit.”

The quarian captain ponders your words in silence for a moment.

“I’ll take your vote under consideration when dealing with the admiralty, your points bear merit. Of course, that means we’ll need you to stay around at least while we prepare a secure storage location and transfer the evidence in it.”

“That won’t be a problem. In fact I was about to ask for two more things that would lead to me sticking around a bit longer.”

“Is that so? What would that be?”

“One, I’d like to assist with the investigation. I was there when it started and I want to see it through.”

“I believe that can be arranged. There will be conflicting views on whether your involvement justifies your participation or is a detriment to it, but I think your actions proved your intention and I’ll put in a word to that effect. What was that other thing?”

“I’d like to visit a liveship.”

“Is that so? You’re not here to spirit away our womenfolk, are you?” Captain Shar asks with mirth in his voice. “Ah forgive the jest. I’ll see that you’re cleared, at least for the common areas. I’m sure you understand that private sections, especially clean ones, have to remain off-limits. Even if most of the civilian crews remained on the Homeworld.”

“I understand. Thank you, captain.”

“I believe we’re finished here then... actually, regarding your help with investigation, in what capacity can you provide assistance?”

>I’m a relic hunter, I can examine the evidence and decipher its mysteries.
>I have a way with people. I’ll get our guest to talk.
>something else

>volunteer Kris for something
>allow him to volunteer himself
>shore leave

>>3381972
>I have a way with people. I’ll get our guest to talk.

>shore leave

>>3381972
>I’m a relic hunter, I can examine the evidence and decipher its mysteries.
>allow him to volunteer himself
If he wants to play detective with us that's great but let's not force him into our investigation.

>>3381972
>>I have a way with people. I’ll get our guest to talk.
>volunteer Kris for something
he can help investigating the rest of the cargo and the evidence, he was the one who found it so I'm assuming he is good with it


>spiriting away the womenfolk

SHIT" he's onto us!

>>3382053
>Implying that the womenfolk aren't gonna spirit us away alongside with our ship
I'd be fine with a twist like that.

>>3382053
Support

But instead of volunteering, maybe suggerst it to Kris, if he doesn't want to do it it's fine

Well, your rugged spacer’s charm hasn’t failed you yet. Might as well take full advantage of it.

“I have a way with people. I will coax more information out of Avis. Kris?”

“Hm? Oh, you’re asking. Well, if we’re doing this and you intend to torture the poor Turian with your conversational skills, I’ll take a look at the hardware he brought.” The Krogan says. You nod appreciatively and turn back to the captain, his expression inscrutable after Kris’s choice of wording.

“I see. Very well, our guest will be under lock and key for now until we make arrangements with the Turians, as will the evidence. They will want their people to be present at least to watch the interrogation, especially if we go with the joint investigation plan. I’ll make sure you’re notified when and if you’ll be allowed to step in.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

“Right. And with this I believe we’re truly done for now. Please, enjoy your time on the Fleet.”

With that and a final round of acknowledgments the gathering breaks up and you and your counterparts from Kata scatter to your destinations.

In your case that means:

>Wait on your ship for the news regarding investigation
>visit Kata’s mess
>Ride a Quarian Shuttle to the liveship
>Ride your skycar to the liveship
>something else

>>3382154
>Ride a Quarian Shuttle to the liveship

qt pilgrim here we come

>>3382154
>visit Kata’s mess

Let's visit the mess first, I want to see what's the local quarian's reaction

>>3382154
>Ride a Quarian Shuttle to the liveship

We can talk with the Kata's crew after the interrogation

You head to your ship, but only to make use of the sonic shower and a change of clothing to bolster your aforementioned spacer charms; you also make sure to recharge your omnitool’s power source, because as evidenced by the day’s events, it pays to be prepared.

Once you’re refreshed, satisfied with the state of your outfit and actually receive confirmation of your clearance, you (Kris has elected to stay on the ship for the time being) set out to Kata’s shuttle dock and board the vessel that’s due to depart for nearest liveship.

Making smalltalk with the pilot you learn how he makes regular flights between Liveship and a few vessels, carrying nutrition out and organic waste in. To your relief the cargo is sealed securely.

The flight itself only takes a few minutes including the docking maneuver, although the pilot has to make two separate approaches when he has passengers, in order to drop you off at the properly outfitted dock.

As you say your goodbye to the pilot and disembark you peer out through a viewport and are rewarded a sight of the rotating hydroponics section. In itself it may not be the most sophisticated piece of technology, but the nerd in you can’t help but be somewhat impressed by magnitude of the engineering here.

A Quarian’s voice breaks you out of your thoughts.

“So you must be the human adventurer that helped apprehend the Turian miscreant at Kata. Welcome aboard my pride and charge. I’m Captain Masi’Sin vas Namek.”

I retire once more into the night.

Solar winds on your back, fellow starfarers.

>>3382317
Thansk for the run boss, Dwell well in the void

>>3382317
thanks for running

Turning to face the voice you find yourself facing a lone Quarian, relatively tall one for his kind.

“Pleasure to meet you, Captain.” You say.

“It’s all mine I’m sure. Please, walk with me for a while.” Masi’Sin replies, gesturing down the corridor. You oblige.

“Is it common for quarian captains to meet visitors to their ship personally?” You ask as you walk alongside the liveship captain.

“Of course not, especially on larger civilian vessels. But it is fairly standard when the guest is in some way out of the ordinary. You are an alien, which is a rare sight in the Flotilla, more so on liveships, and even more importantly you came with business.”

“I see. Am I to understand that the deal proposed by Turians is still under consideration?”

“If I had my way, it would’ve been signed even if the other party were signing it handcuffed. But I suppose there is value in observing some procedures. We may have a home world now, but it’s behind several wrecked relays and has no orbital dock yards yet, not to mention that given the state of the galaxy we’re going to have, euphemistically put, hard time finding working spare parts on any market. I can only hope that we’ll be able to finalize the trade before the relays are fixed or someone gives Turians better deal. Fortunately we are rather uniquely poised to not have to fear for the latter.”
You nod, realizing that you haven’t given much thought to how beneficial the deal could be for the Quarians. Another point attracted your attention now, though.

“You mentioned the relays. Do you know how far along the repairs are?”

“I’m afraid not. The admirals probably do but keep it to themselves. If I were to make estimates based on my experience I’d say years, but given what the coalition managed to whip up during the Reaper crisis such estimate is probably worthless. Whatever they are cooking is not for public eye, relay area is off limits for unauthorized traffic.”

Before you get the chance to acknowledge or ask something else, the quarian reassumed direct control of the conversation.

“None of that is why I arranged for this talk though. Captain Ford, how do you feel about the Geth?”

>I love them. Fought alongside them in the war.
>I consider them dependable allies.
>I value them as allies but don’t enjoy their company.
>I consider them as legitimate sapients, organic or not.
>I have no strong feeling one way or another
>the geth were and continue to be a mistake.
>a machine should never have been allowed to think for itself.
>something else
>no comment (Ford’s attitude remains undecided for now; note that regardless of choice here the attitude can change over time but it will set an initial tone.)

Also, how does Ford feel about Geth aboard his ship? How about AI in general?
>absofuckinglutely not, only intelligence allowed on Chariot is meatware.
>only in deactivated state and in insulated container
>only on dedicated hardware (I.e. robotic body)
>ship systems are open to visitors (with permission)
>other
(Hypocrisy is allowed.)


Also feel free to come up with and support a call sign Ford was using during his “n7” day’s.

>>3383975
> To be honest? I fought some during my explorations, and then fought alongside some during the battle of earth, I guess this is just one more thing I, you and the rest of the galaxy will have to figure out in these new era.

and I would prefer
>ship systems are open to visitors (with permission)
if it was good to Shepard it can't be that bad.


how about "indi" or "Pathfinder"

>>3383975
>I consider them dependable allies.
That being said you don't let just anybody have unfiltered access.
>>3383985
>only on dedicated hardware

As for call signs
"Professor"
"Doctor" do we have a doctorate?
"Boomstick"
Eh, someone else try to come up with something.

>>3383985

> To be honest? I fought some during my explorations, and then fought alongside some during the battle of earth, I guess this is just one more thing I, you and the rest of the galaxy will have to figure out in this new era.

>only on dedicated hardware

>>3383975
Is the captain a man or a woman?

>I have no strong feeling one way or another
Let's get a feel for what the captain thinks

>only on dedicated hardware (I.e. robotic body)

>>3384066
Let's add that we hope their peace lasts, It's easier to fight beside them then it is to try to kill them.

Some callsigs taken from XCOM

Rogue
Lockdown
Stalker
Mad Man
Cash
Vandal
Trips
Tombstone
Dice (praise be the dice gods)

You consider your answer briefly, wondering what brought this topic on. Figuring you’ll find out soon enough you try to put your feelings into words:

“Honestly, I’ve fought my share of them during my ventures and then I fought alongside them during the battle for Earth. I’d like to consider them allies, but I suppose it’s an issue you, me and the whole galaxy will have to figure out in this new era.”

The captain nods sagely. “I see, an open minded, open ended stance. Not that uncommon, especially given the many uncertainties ahead of us.”

He stops in his tracks, forcing you to do the same as you feel the talk is not yet over and are promptly proven right.

“However, there’s a lot of people who have adopted quite a strong view on the subject, one way or another. Commander Shepard might have done the impossible thing during the battle of Rannoch, but I’m worried that history is not so easily written. One heroic moment can be eroded by thousands of minuscule frustrations. I’m afraid to even consider all the directions future developments may take.”

Masi falls silent for a moment, but before you can decide to reply he goes on.

“I’m not telling you all this to fish for sympathy, Captain. No, I’ve been told you intend to participate in investigation of the Kata incident and I wanted to warn you. I’ve learned from source I’m not at liberty to disclose that there is a geth thread in the incident and I wanted to make sure that you are aware that regardless of the outcome of the investigation itself, whatever of it that will propagate to the public can carry grave consequences.”

The quarian captain pauses again and sighs, then once again preempts you as you consider his words.

“Please, enjoy the hospitality of Namek to your heart’s content. But when the time comes, please consider what I’ve told you.”

With that the quarian turns away signaling that the discussion is over and swiftly strides away.

What do you do?

>try to catch up with the captain, maybe you can get him to tell you more (if he knows anything)
>Head towards the plaza
>Find the mess hall and see if they have something edible (You will not actually die from quarian food, but it’s probably not going to be an experience to write home about) or more importantly potable
>do they have a cinema of sorts here?
>Maybe there’s a simulator arena in here somewhere?
>do quarians have a museum?
>something else

>>3384202
>Head towards the plaza
>do quarians have a museum?

>>3384202
>Maybe there’s a simulator arena in here somewhere?

Well shit, why did the geth had to shit the bed and zbehind quarians backs when things were finally okish between them.

>>3384202
>do quarians have a museum?
We are an artifact retriever, let's check their things, our membership in the organization may even be recogbized here.
Hell, they might have leads to exploration sites.

>>3384202
>>Head towards the plaza
>>do quarians have a museum?

Even as Captain’s words continue to haunt you you decide to make the most of your stay here and proceed to walk down the main corridor, expecting it to lead you to the focal point of the liveship commons - the plaza where Quarians could enjoy closest thing to outdoors available to the former space nomads or gather for special events and occasions.

On your way you stop one of the scarce civilian crew members - the ship really felt deserted without majority of its passengers. You catch yourself wondering how many ships like this one were lost during the final battle, or before, during the battle for Rannoch, situation made worse by the fact the civilians could not be evacuated before the former...

“Yes?” The crewman you addressed snaps you back to present.

“Ah, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to confirm which way should I go reach the plaza.”

“Ah, that’s easy. Just follow the largest corridor towards the bow.”

“Thank you. Actually... I was wondering, is there maybe a museum on board?”

“A museum? Not by this name, no, but... hmm...” the quarian considers your question. “There used to be a collection of relics we got to see as kids, partly for educational purposes, partly as a symbolic reminder of our past. Not sure if it wasn’t transferred to the homew...” the crewman’s voice falters. “Ahem, sorry, not used to the idea quite yet. Anyway, you’ll have to ask around some more. Good luck, visitor.”

“Thank you for your time.”

You part ways and you continue onwards. After a while you reach a junction with corridor wide enough to fit two hover cars alongside each other and sure enough, when you turn towards the bow you see that the corridor ends in what seems like a well illuminated open space. Minutes later you step into the plaza.

You are greeted by a sight that reminds you slightly of Citadel common areas - wide space, shallow, decorative ponds, well trimmed plants, benches lining the walls and edges of flooring designated for walking. Against the far side of the hall an elevated dais can be seen in the midst of what turns out to be an amphitheater shaped terraced depression.

Of course there are marked differences in heraldry and the design betrays more concessions to functionality compared to Citadel’s sleek unapologetic opulence. This term still seems to apply considering how cramped and maximally utilized Quarian ships tended to be.

What did stand out even more than with corridors was that the place was deserted. Maybe you came at wrong time of day? Maybe the Quarians needed special leave to take time off in this section?

As you consider the possibilities your gaze almost misses a young quarian woman nestled in shade of a decorative tree, her omnitool up and twin lights of her eyes scanning projected text as it scrolls up.

You make a snap judgement of the book by its cover you decide that she’s as good a lead on Quarian artifact trove as you are going to get and move to approach her.

She’s either so engrossed in whatever it is she’s studying that she doesn’t see you coming or else she is putting a lot of effort into making it seem like you do not exist.

“Excuse me?”

“Hm?” She looks up and acknowledges you. “Oh, sorry, one moment...” she says, making a few taps on her omnitool. The text stops scrolling, then vanishes. “There. How can I help you?”

“I’m an archaeologist and I heard there may be some artifacts kept aboard. I was wondering who to ask if that is the case.”

“Oh? And why did you choose to ask me, of all peo-“ she cuts herself short when she looks around and realizes that you couldn’t have asked anyone else even if you wanted. “Nevermind. But, you’re in luck, mister...”

“Ford. Henri Ford.”

“Mister Ford. My name’s Lea’Fari nar Namek and the person you need to ask is my mother.”

“Your mother?”

“Yes. She is in charge of wat hing over the mementos of the homeworld.”

“Where could I-“

“No need to look her up. I was going to go see her soon anyway so you can just come with me.”

“Thank you, miss Lea’Fari.
It takes a while to navigate the ship towards the quarian mother’s workplace an$ even more time for both of you to convince the guard that you are in fact still cleared to enter this semi/private area but eventually you find yourself in a place of marvel...

I return to dormancy. Juffo-wup waits for no man.

>>3384595
Thanks for running, see ya next time

>>3384592
hello miss quarian, maybe we can ask her why the plaza was so deserted while we went there

>>3384595
thanks for running

>>3384705
Yeah, is everyone hiding from us? It's supposed to be a live ship, not a dead ship. Ahaha, too soon?

Sooo which ending is canon? Blue, green, or red?
I'm guessing red since nobody's mentioned reapers suddenly changing behavior, or a wave of voodoo magic that turned everyone into god damn it fuck explaining that shit green ending was SO DUMB

>>3384816
Yeah, maybe it's better to not mention those

>>3386328
I don't think its red ending either since the geth are still alive and the red ending kills them, maybe its a custom one where we kill the reapers and don't genocide an entire race, you know, how it was suppose to be in the first place.

>>3386328
I’ve taken some liberties with the ending.

Shepard, EDI and Javik made it through to the beam, reached citadel controls, confronted reaperified TIM and fired the crucible, rendering reaper tech inert. I haven’t yet entirely made up my mind what it means for Geth and EDI since they are partially based on it, but they are both alive, in a manner of speaking.

>>3386357
Ohno

Unless your sense of space and memory of general layout of the ship are failing you, you presently find yourself somewhere on a boundary between common section housing some supportive and communal facilities and habitation deck which is currently off limits to aliens. The junction you’ve just entered in has some extra space dedicated to tables and seating areas, suggesting it to double as a gathering spot. It’s currently rather empty, except for a few quarians gathered at one of the tables and engaged in some, judging by occasional bout of agitated murmur, exciting group activity with their omnitools up. Before you have chance to inquire further, however, Lea approaches the door framed by an above average amount of symbols and decorations and keys in her access code. The door opens slowly, as if to give impression that whatever’s through is worth a brief wait, and your guide motions you to follow.

It would not be fair to call what you find on the other side a temple, but calling it a storeroom would be doing it a disservice. The chamber itself is of as utilitarian design as one would expect from a room aboard a nomadic fleet, but it has been meticulously cleaned, there were no naked couplings or bent panels, the decorative banners and tapestries were free of stains of any sorts and the items lined along the shelves had respectful amount of spacing between each other along with a decorative blanket below and shimmering cupola of antistatic field around every one.

Except for one that was presently held in hands of a quarian woman.

“By the homeworld, if I see him drag home one more pack of those greasy snacks...” you can make out before Lea announces her presence.

“Hey mom. I brought you an alien nerd to dissect.”

“Oh. I was wondering why you came back so early.”

“It was getting boring anyway. They recalled the A team for some important business elsewhere and the gang had to take over their rotation.”

“With you successfully eluding the press gangs, of course.”

“What can I say? I learned from the best.”

“Tsk. That’s no way to treat your calling, young lady. We’ll talk more about that later. Ah, Sorry sir. I didn’t mean to neglect you so. I’m Xera’See vas Namek and this is my humble sanctum.

“Delighted to make your acquaintance. I’m Henri Ford, special consultant for the Citadel Institute of Xenoarcheology.”

“Oh, I can see where this is going already. I’m terribly sorry, mister Ford, but I can’t oblige you. I’m a happily married woman and I owe my dearest daughter a stable and well functioning household.”

Even in your dumbfounded state you can make out Xera measuring you with a serious glare while Lea covers her visor with her hand.

>keep your peace, wait for either lady to continue
>play her back (suggestions welcome)
>shrug it off and state the nature of you business
>ask what she means
>other response
>leave. You are not prepared for this. (Obviously Exclusive with following vote)

After the greeting...
>ask for permission to scan EVERYTHING, it’s quite possible that no non-quarian has ever laid their eyes on this.
>scan stealthily without asking, because what if she refuses?
>chat up the custodian (suggest topic)
>chat up the young lady (suggest topic)

>>3386891
>play her back (suggestions welcome)
"While I'm sure you are very charming I think there is a misunderstanding about why I'm here"

note to self :damn she is onto us, why every quarian thinks we are going to spirit some of their females away? are our stares that obvious or did Shepard get together with Tali and now Quarian/human couples are popular?

>ask what she means

>ask for permission to scan EVERYTHING, it’s quite possible that no non-quarian has ever laid their eyes on this.
while we
>chat up the young lady (suggest topic)
we know what her mother does here, let's ask her about that talk about gangs and a-team, what does she do? what isher calling like her mother refered to it

>>3386936
This seems like a good idea.
Dam it Shepard, fucking up our waifu plans...

>>3386936
+1

Ask her if whatever she though we were here for happens frequently

And ask for explanations for things we might not understand

>>3386943
fear not anon, we will find a way kek

>>3386936
Maybe add something like: I'm happily married myself, to my work...which brings me to my reason for being here

>>3386891
>play her back (suggestions welcome)
Not all aliens are so driven by their urges. I would be happy to explain further over dinner.

Gathering your bearing you decide to turn the tables and adopt as melodramatic pose as you can muster and intone:

“Alas I am undone, to have traversed the void from Illium to Omega, from Eden to Acheron, from the far shoals of Virmire to the ruins of London Town only to find myself second after another man, this is almost too much for a weary wanderer’s soul to bear.”

You make a dramatic pause and at the edge of your vision you spot Lea fiddling with her omnitool. Great, now you’re going to show up at quarian equivalent of YouTube. Oh well, no way out but forward. “At least I can find solace in one strand of hope lighting my dreary life now that it’s primary star has been encapsulated away from me - the kindling flame of my passion for the ancient truths buried by the sands of time.”

You slowly dial back the ham as you adopt a more relaxed stance.

“Which brings me to the purpose of my visit, lady Xera’See. I understand that you stand watch over artifacts of your people. Professional curiosity compels me to ask you for leave to examine them and, if permitted, capture their likeness for future reference.”

For a moment the older woman just stares at you. Then she turns to her daughter.

“I like him. Where did you capture him?”

“On the plaza. He was literally asking around for you. By role, not by... well, you heard him.”

“Good girl.” Then she turns back to you, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Thanks for humoring me, traveler. Feel free to look and scan to your heart’s content - I could never put a hamper on such a passionate request. In fact, if you’ll take a while I’ll recover some pieces I don’t usually have on display for you.”

You in line your head in a grateful nod.

“Careful, mom, dad could return at any time.” Lea pipes up.

“Oh shush.” Xera says as she heads out towards a door to another section. “Non-intrusive Scans only! But I don’t need to tell you that, right?” She calls back just in case before disappearing.

You get to work. The artifacts can be said to share some characteristics, like script or some recurring patterns, but overall are quite varied, making them especially valuable to your database. With sufficiently large and diverse array of data you are more likely to be able to decipher function or meaning of entirely new finds, and given their sparse connections to Council institutions, Quarians are a wellspring of untapped potential.

You wonder how much was there left to discover on their own homeworld. Perhaps you will get a chance to see for yourself? Although that would be taking time away from finding new precursor sites...

Moving from one artifact to another you approach the younger woman and decide to talk while you work.

“So, miss Lea, mind if I ask you a question?”

She seems to contemplate a reply, but either she can’t come up with one to satisfy her or she doesn’t want to come across as likeness of her mother and settles for. “Shoot.”

“Your mother mentioned a calling of yours. Could you elaborate?”

“Yes.”

You guess it was simply stronger than her as you continue with your scans.

“Sorry. I mean, it’s more her calling than mine, but I haven’t really found anything better than that what I’d like to do with my life.”

“That’s...”

>”...nice.”
>”...sad.”
>”...not uncommon.”
>fall silent
>something else

>>3387142
>...not uncommon
But now there is a whole future of opportunities. You could be a landscaper!

>>3387142
>>”...not uncommon.”

If the time is right ask her if what your mother said to us is common or she was just fooling with us

>>3387142
>>”...sad.”

>>3387142
>”...not uncommon.”

And not always bad, i certainly didn't imagine I would be exploring ruins after N7 training.
Ask her if she has ever gone in an expedition, that's our favorite part.

>>3387164
Landscaper kek

" the homeword is nice ut we should at more loose panels and exposed wirings so it feels more cozy"

“...not uncommon, actually.” You say, running your omnitool over a particularly well preserved piece of parchment. “Maybe it’s the sheer amount of options available to you is keeping you indecisive? I think in any case it might have been part of the reason why I’ve set out to travel in the first place.”

Lea stays silent for a while.

“My turn now, then. You mentioned quite a few places. Have you actually been to all of them?”

You pause your work for a moment, recalling your act from earlier and prompting you to blush slightly. “Amusingly enough, yes. Professor Stahlberg really got quite an eclectic array of sources for his tips. I wonder...”

You wonder where he got all his info. Maybe he was buying them from people like shadow broker? Or maybe he operated on word of mouth? More important question trumped all others, though.

“...if he’s still alive.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. My own fault for bringing it up. Back onto more pleasant topics. So, I’d your mother always like this to random strangers?”

“Yes. Mother is a person of peculiar sense of humor.” Lea answers absent,y, then something clicks. “Wait a moment. You’re not going to try and flirt with her, are you? I warn you that my dad is a Marine and he can actually shoot you. Like in that story making rounds on extranet forums, but for real.”

“Oh don’t worry about that. Besides, i might have well fought beside him.”

“Now wouldn’t that be a small galaxy if that were true.

You continue to work until you notice Xera returning with wo items in her hands and you almost feel you jaw drop as you identify one of them.

These were no Quarian artifacts. These belonged to the precursors.

With an appreciative, grateful nod you immediately approach the older woman and get to work on the parts she just brought. This trip was promising to become even more beneficial than you originally thought.

>>3387297
Time for me to retire. Safe travels friends.

>>3387297
>Like in that story making rounds on extranet forums,
300 confirmed kills huh

>>3387298
thanks for the run

Lea qt

>>3387306
300 sorvegin class kills

You quickly, if throughly, examine the other treasure Xera brought with her. You provisionally categorized it as a rather vulgar political cartoon (there was not enough detail preserved to allow you to figure out what quarian faces looked like, even if faces were focus of the artwork to begin with), and moved on to the main course.

The artifact was made of metal that could, at a glance, pass for passivated copper, but had a darker touch to its gleam and upon scanning defied classification. It could be described as a seven sided pyramid’s base with a circular depression on top.

One theory posited that both anomalous appearance and resistance to most scans could be result of fine patterning that present day material science had yet to reproduce (Although considering the artifact the galactic coalition managed to realize, you wonder just out of date your estimation of achievable technological level really was). More unorthodox thinkers put forward hypotheses that involved transcendent properties and concepts of dimensions past what mathematicians and physicists were working with, but those were generally voices you would only hear at obscure vidcasts or extranet boards of poor repute.

On the other hand you had to admit that orthodox science never explained how Prothean devices could interface with human mind. Even models for asari mindmelding fell well short of explaining all sensations as described by the participants.

Temptation to touch the item was strong, but you would’ve resisted it even if the quarian custodian and her daughter were right there because if it was by chance actually activated, the effects could be disastrous for the ship they were on. Instead you settle for broadest spectrum, highest resolution scans your omnitool was capable of.

You wonder what sort o arcane purpose this item might have served, and how did it end up in Quarian hands?

>I cannot be touched even if my touch stings
>I can be called forth by familiar things
>I am a truth that is well past its due
>I endure as long as those who bear me do

>...

>>3388733
Memories? Niggah what the fuck when we did we do riddles

>>3388748
Yeah memories seem likely. I thought dreams at first, but memories fits better.

>>3388748
Figured it could be more fitting than pulling random sudoku from the internet. Wonder how long I can keep it up though.